Hemmings Finds of the Day – 1970 and 1973 Lotus Europas

Left-hand-drive or right? Overhead-valve four or Twin Cam? Red or yellow? Two Lotus Europas recently showed up, almost back to back, on Hemmings.com, offering choice aplenty for fans of the marque’s low-cost mid-engine fiberglass flyer. We’ll look at the Twin Cam, the 1973 Lotus Europa, first. From the seller’s description:

This 1973 Lotus Europa Twin Cam Special is a very well cared for example. While 100 percent of the history is not known on this particular car, chassis # 73104079R; it is evident through inspection and available history that this car is extremely well sorted and up to date. More recently (past 10 years) this car was formerly in the possession of Florida sports car dealer, Wire Wheel. While there the car did receive a very thorough total mechanical overhaul, and freshened cosmetics.

The numbers matching engine, with Big Valve head was completely rebuilt by Twin Cam Specialties (TCS), and was done to the highest standards for power and reliability. The build included rebuilt twin Strombergs carbs, rebuilt 4-speed transaxle, Electronic Ignition, headers, alloy alternator pulley, ITG air filter, and an electric fuel pump upgrade with regulator. When reassembled it also received Koni Shocks, a stainless steel exhaust, Pirelli P400’s, new brakes, and all suspension components tended to.

Cosmetically it received correct yellow paint, new dash wood and interior appointments as needed. Today the car shows superbly with no major stress cracks common to these cars. The fiberglass is extremely straight, the doors fit better than any we have seen. All gaps are great for a Lotus, and the front trunk is very tidy. There is no sign anywhere of any previous accident damage or major body work. The interior is very nice with all black leather, and is quite comfortable with a new steering wheel as well. On the inside everything can be found in working order, all gauges, switches etc… work as expected. The door jams are clean, and the glass original and free of any blemishes. The chrome presents nicely but is showing its age in a few spots.

Turning the key starts it easily, with great oil pressure of 50 pounds and holding good temperature when fully warmed up. Power through the range is impressive, and weighing in at just 1,500 pounds this car is very fast, handles extremely well and stops quickly. We have no complaints about performance or the mechanical ability, it’s superb.

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This Car Qualifies for Pre-1972 1.5 Liter Vintage Racing. Excellent Original Car with Great Patina on the Faded Original Paint Showing Lots of Racing Experience. The Original Engine & Gearbox were Just Rebuilt by a Lotus Specialist. Over $ 20,000 Spent Rebuilding the Entire Mechanical and Suspension System. The Car is Fabulous To Drive and Very Powerful.

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caseysays:

July 15, 2012 6:02 pm

I love the design of these Europas. I prefer the first gen S1’s full “breadvan” rear sails and the more basic nature of its drivetrain and wheels/tires, but any of these early Europas are to be coveted. I am not a fan of Lotus using the Europa nameplate on their new cars, though. I’m sure the new cars are great fun to drive, but it was lazy and cynical to try to capitalize on the Europa name.